Welcome to AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, the podcast that delivers unfiltered, authentic insights from leaders in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry who are on the front lines of mergers and acquisitions.
Hosted by Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, each episode features candid one-on-one interviews with CEOs and influencers, sharing their real stories, successes, and obstacles in the world of AEC M&A.
If you're an AEC firm leader ready to shape your future through strategic growth, join us for inspiration and practical advice to take your firm to new heights.
Ep. 16 | M&A Alternatives: Evaluating the ESOP Transition Path
Send us Fan Mail When AEC firm leaders begin exploring succession, external M&A is often the first path on the table. But what happens during due diligence when a firm realizes a traditional sale doesn't align with its culture, brand, or long-term growth goals? In Episode 16 of AEC Unscripted, host Jeff Adams, CM&AA, is joined by Christopher Hostettler, former CFO and current advisor at MKSK. Chris shares how their firm thoroughly evaluated strategic M&A suitors before ultimately ...
19 May 2026
Ep. 15 | Building One Team: A Structural Approach to M&A Integration
Send us Fan Mail Are you treating your M&A integration like a rigid building code or a dynamic leadership challenge? In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, sits down with Sandy Matthews, Director of Integration at Salas O’Brien. Sandy shares her unique journey from structural engineer at a 35-person firm to leading post-acquisition efforts for one of the most acquisitive firms in the AEC space. Sandy b...
20 Apr 2026
Ep. 14 | Ending the Scavenger Hunt: Data as an AEC Valuation Lever
Send us Fan Mail Your firm’s balance sheet tells your earnings story, but your data archive is your firm’s memory. If that memory is trapped in an unsearchable digital graveyard, you’re leaving significant deal value on the table. In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Nick Decker, Director of AEC at Egnyte, to discuss the critical intersection of AEC valuation and data. Nick shares a frontline perspective...
23 Mar 2026
Ep. 13 | Flipping the Script: From Strategic Buyer to Family Office Acquisition
Send us Fan Mail Are you prepared for the moment your internal succession plan meets the reality of a “missing generation” in leadership? In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of M&A at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Frank Ternasky and Mike Asaro, former principals of the San Diego-based architecture firm Delawie. After years of operating as strategic buyers themselves, Frank and Mike share the transparent story of why they pivoted to an externa...
3 Nov 2025
Ep. 12: Beyond the Multiples: The Art and Science of AEC Valuations
What’s your AEC firm really worth? While it’s tempting to look at market multiples, the true value of your business lies in a much deeper story of risk, potential, and strategic fit. Misunderstanding this value can stop a great deal in its tracks. In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by two leading valuation experts: Tracey Eaves, Managing Director of Transition Services at Zweig Group, and Bec...
7 Jul 2025
Ep. 11: From Legacy to Leadership: AVID's Path Through AEC M&A
Tracy Scott recounts her experience leading AVID Group through a merger and acquisition, highlighting the human aspects of the process, in an interview with Jeff Adams.
12 May 2025
Ep. 10: Behind the Deal: Wolverton’s Journey to Sell
What's it really like to sell your AEC firm? For founders, it’s more than a transaction—it’s a personal and professional milestone shaped by decades of hard work, innovation, and legacy-building. The path to sell your architecture or engineering firm can be emotionally charged and strategically complex. In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, speaks with Jay Wolverton, the founding principal a...
18 Mar 2025
Ep 9: Wealth Management for AEC M&A
Is your AEC firm positioned for financial success after the deal? In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, we dive into Wealth Management for AEC M&A. Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness, is joined by Brian McCarver and Jonathan Freeman from Stonebridge Financial Group to provide expert insights for AEC firm leaders. Brian and Jonathan share their decades of experience, offering critical guidance on: Pre-sale financial planning to maximize...
21 Jan 2025
Ep. 8: Engineer to Strategist: AEC Growth with Private Equity
For AEC firms seeking significant growth, M&A has become a strategic necessity. This episode of AEC Unscripted features Ashraf Jahangir, Chief Strategy Officer at Verdantas, a leading firm that has experienced growth under the ownership of two different private equity firms. Ashraf, with over 30 years of experience in the AEC industry, provides unique insights into the role of M&A in driving growth. Listen to learn: How private equity is transforming the AEC landscape a...
9 Dec 2024
Ep.7: Tech-Driven M&A: A Game-Changer for AEC
AEC industry experts Jeff Adams, Phil Keeney, and John Honodel discuss how technology can streamline M&A transitions and ensure seamless integration for AEC companies.
7 Oct 2024
Ep. 6: The 3F's of AEC M&A: Fit, Future, and Financials
In this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, host Jeff Adams of Stambaugh Ness sits down with Ernesto Aguilar, President & CEO of Ardurra, a private equity-backed firm, to explore the crucial elements behind successful mergers and acquisitions in the AEC industry. Together, they break down Ardurra’s 3F's rule—Fit, Future & Financials—and how these factors determine the outcome of any M&A deal.Drawing on his experience leading Ardurra through private equity-backed growth, Er...
9 Sept 2024
Ep. 5: Scaling Up: M&A for AEC Small Businesses
Discover how M&A can help you scale your AEC firm and compete with industry giants in this episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition. Your host, Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness sits down with Mike Ramos, President of Raymond to explore the power of M&A for small businesses. Mike shares invaluable insights, revealing how his firm leveraged mergers and acquisitions to achieve exponential growth, expand into new markets, and enhance its ca...
12 Aug 2024
Ep. 4: Family Office: An Alternative Approach to AEC M&A
The Family Office is a winsome alternative to traditional private equity in the AEC industry. Join your host, Jeff Adams, as he discusses this topic with Chris Cook, CEO of ELEV8 Holdings. ELEV8 Holdings is an investment company dedicated to reshaping and consolidating the fragmented civil, structural, and architectural engineering sector across the United States. Chris Cook shares his unique journey and discusses how Family Offices provide a more personal touch and greater autonomy comp...
9 Jul 2024
Ep. 3: Beyond the Handshake: Why Legal Counsel Matters in AEC M&A
Thinking about buying or selling your AEC firm? Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can also be a strategic move to propel your business forward.This episode of AEC Unscripted explores the legal aspects of M&A in the AEC industry. Host Jeff Adams sits down with Lawson & Weitzen M&A attorney George Christodoulo, a recognized expert with over 400 deals completed!In this conversation, you'll learn:The critical role of experienc...
11 Jun 2024
Ep. 2: Private Equity in AEC: A Growing Trend
𝗜𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗘𝗖 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺? The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is experiencing a surge of private equity (PE) investment. Jeff Adams, CPA, CMAA, and Ira Starr, Long Point Capital, explore how PE can fuel your firm's growth. In this episode, Ira and Jeff explore the typical investment model, how to position your firm for PE (platform vs. add-on strategy), and the key benefits and considerations. Learn how to leverage PE to access capital,...
7 May 2024
Ep 1: You Must Be Doing Something Right!
In our inaugural episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA, Director, M&A at Stambaugh Ness chats with Dan Huntington, Executive Vice President of the M&A Synergy Team at IMEG, a leading national engineering and design consulting firm. Dan discusses the secrets behind their impressive M&A growth, having grown from just 3 deals in 2018 to integrating 19 firms in just 28 months! He emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and building strong partnership...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
